Why do you copy all template files into the theme?

Hey Sven,

The reason is that with a complex multipage generating plugin like this, it was pretty much impossible for me to design it in a way that would work and look perfect on every theme. After all there is such variation in the theme marketplace. A knowledgebase often forms a substantial part of a website, and I felt that most users would want to have quite a high level of control over layout and design. The only way to really achieve this effectively is through using template files in the users theme. WooCommerce and other large plugins do quite similar thing. The problem with storing the files in the plugin only is that users then customise them there, and of course they get overwritten when the plugin updates. I have this problem with several of my other plugins so from experience I know what a support nightmare that issue is! So with this plugin I am trying a new way – the use of templates which forces the user to understand how to customise it properly and do so in their theme.

Hope that helps explain the thinking ??

Hi Maeve,

thanks for your detailed answer. Still I do not get you. Please can you tell me one reason. What is not working with the template files located in your plugin?

What you do is a issue from the past. BuddyPress has done it in the early days. It has no benefit. It just makes your plugin not usable and for me it feels like a no go.

People are used to copy only the template files they need from the plugin to the theme. I have a company getting a lot of support requests every day and there is no support nightmare at all with the template system in WordPress. I think one of the reasons WooCommerce has such success is the template system.

JJJ has created a nice template system for BBPress. Please give it a look.

With your system you add the template files into the theme. What if I switch the theme. You even do not tell the user that you add the templates to the theme. I think this is a huge issue! I was shocked recognising that you added the templates to my theme without asking.

Also the template files will be overwritten with every theme update.
What happens if I update the theme? All templates missing?

What if you change some template files? Updates will become a nightmare.

Also BuddyPress switched from a theme based template system to a plugin based.
Many famous plugins leave behind what you think is a new way.

You write you want to have your plugin working with every theme. This has nothing to do with where you locate the template files.

I think WordPress needs a Knowledgebase plugin. Your plugin look very nice. But with this templates copy to the theme, I can not recommend your plugin.

Also imagine all the people testing your plugin and decide against it have the template files left as waste in there theme.

I hope you change your opinion on this as I really would like to work with your Knowledgeable and promote it to my customers.

Hope to here your thoughts on this.

Cheers,
Sven

Hey Sven, thanks for taking the time to write back and clarify your concerns. I think you raise some interesting and valid points. I will think on this, and do some research to see if the template system can be improved in WP Knowledgebase. I’m a little short on time, so I can’t promise to look at this immediately, but I will definitely take your suggestions on board and look at improving this aspect of the plugin.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your feedback on this.

Cheers,
Maeve